1. Rutherford County Sun WE KEEP YOU ENLIGHTENED. Friday, July 15, 1938 COURTHOUSE ERUPTS! By Melissa Anders Although the façade of the Rutherford County Courthouse seems peaceful, upon entering, one could cut the tension with a knife. Appearances are not always indicative of underlying tensions. Robert Hensley and his new bride Ellen Hill Hensley appear, to their friends and neighbors in Rutherfordton, to be typical middle-class newlyweds when, in reality, they are alleged to have conspired in one of the most controversial and sickening animal abuse cases in Rutherford County history. Many of the Rutherford County locals may be familiar with the Hills, owners of Hills’ Hardware and their beloved cat Muffin Top. CONTENTS Cover Page Page 1 Editorial Page 2 Society Page 3 WEATHER Saturday, July 16 Sunday, July 17 Monday, July 18 This may be because Robert Hensley, Ellen’s new beau, is alleged to have brutally murdered and stuffed the family pet. Continued on page 5 Muffin Top is thought of as a comforting fixture of the community and of Hills’ Hardware itself. Lately, however, Muffin Top has seemed rather lethargic. Hill’s Hardware • We sell much needed items such as • Soap • Hammers • Embalming fluid • Shovels • Baby strollers • Washing machines • Fertilizer Trust us for all your hometown hardware needs! PRINCE ALBERT The national joy smoke